Recently, Chancellor Malthotra released guidance providing each campus president the ability to implement masking protocols at their discretion after consulting with the system office. As a result, all MinnState colleges and universities are preparing, or have released masking protocols, consistent with CDC guidance. Currently, those protocols require employees, students, and visitors, including contractors and vendors, to wear a face covering in public indoor settings inside college or university facilities, regardless of vaccination status.
At the statewide level, our leadership continues to advocate to the Chancellor to implement additional safety precautions. Our efforts include mask mandates, vaccine requirements, and flexibility for faculty to continue teaching online. The safety of our members, students, and staff is our top priority. We should not ask faculty, coaches, and counselors to return to full face-to-face activities on campuses without safety protocols. We will continue to push for any strategy that reduces risk and helps keeps people on our campuses safe and healthy.
In the meantime, we encourage everyone to get vaccinated. Vaccination is the most effective strategy for reducing the spread of COVID-19. As an added incentive, Governor Walz recently announced that, starting July 30 thru August 15, every Minnesotan who gets vaccinated will get $100! For more information or to find a vaccine location, visit mn.gov/covid19/.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at any time.